Sony Tablet S

Sony Tablet S sharp display

Sony Tablet S

The Sony Tablet S is Sony’s entry in highly competitive tablet market. It is a bit late for Sony but its never too late. They work hard on this project. Tablet S definitely the more normal looking device unlike Sony Tablet P and featuring a 9.4″ 1280 x 800 pixel display and 1GB of RAM. Normal is relative though as the back actually folds around, raising the tablet up slightly so it is easier to use on a flat surface. Inside is the same 1GHz dual-core processor and 512MB as found on the Tablet P, and the Tablet S also has the same camera arrangement. Best feature of the tablet S is that you can use it as a universal remote control for both Sony and non-Sony entertainment equipment. The Sony Tablet S measures 241 x 174 x 10 to 21mm and weighs 598 grams (625 for the 3G) version. Internal memory is supplemented by an SD memory slot, although no card is supplied. There are several different models of the Tablet S available, 16GB and 32GB WiFi only versions for £399 / €479 / $500 and £479 / €579 / $600 respectively. A 16GB WiFi + 3G version is available in Europe for £499 or €599. The WiFi versions will ship with Android 3.1 with an upgrade to Android 3.2 promised soon, the WiFi + 3G version will have Android 3.2 out of the box. Delivery should start by the end of September. This Android tablet support DLNA, have a USB port, Bluetooth, come with GPS and all the usual Android applications plus some additions of Sony’s own. Both tablets are PlayStation Certified and have access to Sony’s online entertainment services. These are expensive devices which are very similar in price to iPad 2. However, Sony is a very strong brand and is probably one of the few makes that is desirable as Apple. Given Sony’s expertise at home integration, the Tablet S and Tablet P do look like very attractive tablets and perhaps they will be the first Android tablets to sell in any real quantity. Stay tuned for updates or follow @harrym20 on twitter.

Update : Sony will be updating its Tablets & Smartphones to Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) in this spring. All Xperia models and Sony tablets will get the update by the end of April 2012.